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JABA Condemns the President’s Ban on the Transgender Community from Serving in the Military

JABA Condemns the President’s Ban on the Transgender Community from Serving in the Military

LOS ANGELES — The Japanese American Bar Association (“JABA”) is deeply disappointed in, and unequivocally opposes, the President’s announcement this past Wednesday to ban those within the transgender community from serving in our Armed Forces. Japanese Americans are familiar with being barred from serving in the military. Yet, in spite of the deep racism many Japanese Americans faced during World War II, many honorably served in the military, including those in the most decorated unit in American history, the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team. Today, JABA is honored to have numerous veterans and those within the transgender community among its membership.

The statement by the President only stokes prejudice and divide within our communities and our Armed Forces and creates a hostile and potentially dangerous environment for the thousands of active and formerly active transgender service members who serve or served honorably and courageously for this country. As a civil rights organization, JABA continues to stand with the LGBTQ community and condemns transphobia, homophobia, and discrimination in any form. JABA expresses its deepest gratitude to the heroes who serve or have served this nation and for the many contributions of transgender service members to the defense and national security of our country.

JABA urges the President to reconsider the White House’s position and retain the policy that was put in place in 2016 to allow those that show the courage, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, gender or otherwise, to serve this nation.

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If you are interested in becoming a judge or commissioner, or if you are a judicial officer interested in mentoring, please contact Judicial Appointments Committee Chair Mike Madokoro at (310) 380-6519. You must be a JABA member to participate.